Following the Paris climate talks last week, local governments throughout the electorate of Parkes now have the opportunity to cut their energy bills and reduce emissions as part of a new a $250 million loan package under the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
Local councils could invest in clean technology across their operations, ranging from street lights to solar panels on offices, community housing, libraries, sports grounds and infrastructure.
I strongly encourage all local councils to apply under this new program. I know that many councils in my patch are already looking at how they can reduce the costs for ratepayers such as switching to LED street lighting. This initiative will help them do that.
Local government has long been an active partner in helping the Australian Government tackle climate change and setting new directions for clean energy and lower emissions.
It’s also about how we can make our local communities more liveable through greening our towns and cities.
Many have already achieved great things, not only in energy efficiency but through initiatives like cutting landfill emissions with better waste management.
Access to flexible and competitive fixed-rate, long-term finance under this program will help local governments make greater savings for ratepayers while cutting emissions.
Loans of at least $10 million can be taken out over three years for a single project or package of works and councils can work together to finance joint projects.
Further details on how to apply are available at http://www.cleanenergyfinancecorp.com.au/energy-efficiency/local-government-finance-program.aspx
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Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Counter Terrorism, the Hon Michael Keenan MP last week launched the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) #summerofhope campaign.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of missing persons in our communities and to engage directly with the online community in the hope of resolving long-term missing person’s cases.
More than 35,000 people are reported missing in Australia each year, with an estimated 2,000 people currently listed as a long-term missing person, missing for more than three months.
Every week throughout December and January the AFP and State and Territory police will share profiles of long-term missing persons through their social media channels to reach as many people as possible.
I encourage everyone to visit the AFP’s Facebook page, look at, and share the missing person profiles using the #summerofhope hashtag.
If you or someone you know has been listed as a missing person, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For further information visit www.missingpersons.gov.au
